URL: https://preston.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1355

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Resources

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The Planning Department has been successful in bidding to receive a bursary to employ one Pathways, government funded graduate for two years starting in September 2026.  The Council has been awarded a salary bursary with a maximum value of £40,000 and a degree training bursary of £10,000 to help fund the graduate study on a Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) accredited part-time master’s degree.  The £50,000 bursary will not cover the Salary and training costs for the two-year period, therefore, a virement from Planning vacancy savings in 25-26, rephased into 26-27, 27-28 & 28-29 is required to cover the shortfall.

Content: The Planning Department has been successful in bidding to receive a bursary to employ one Pathways, government funded graduate for two years starting in September 2026.  The Council has been awarded a salary bursary with a maximum value of £40,000 and a degree training bursary of £10,000 to help fund the graduate study on a Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) accredited part-time master’s degree.  The £50,000 bursary will not cover the Salary and training costs for the two-year period, therefore, a virement from Planning vacancy savings in 25-26, rephased into 26-27, 27-28 & 28-29 is required to cover the shortfall. Resolved – That the Cabinet Member for Resources:   i.              Approved a Revenue Funded Budget Increase of £50,000 from the Pathways government grant award as set out in section 4 of the report to fund a Planning graduate for a 2-year FTC from September 2026. ii.            Approved the Preston City Councils match funding from the use of in-year Planning Vacancy saving of £37,360 as 25-26 slippage in advance to fund the shortfall in 26-27,27-28 & 28-29 as per section 4.  

Date of Decision: February 3, 2026